IC40 Intermittent Flow Switch...

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T

texastoasted

0
Jul 6, 2016
29
Dallas, TX
I have a 2.5yr old Pentair IC40 SWG with plenty of life left according to the run-time light readout. It has work flawlessly the last 2 summers. Over the past few weeks it seems to be 50/50 on whether the flow light is Red or Green... and as a result I'm not making enough chlorine based on my run-time settings. What are the likely culprits?

I'm thinking it's unlikely to be an obstruction, as it comes and goes. The flow is not actually low... as I've backwashed the filter several times, changed the pump speeds, and the flow rate is much higher than needed to produce (based on past seasons and observing the jets.

Thoughts? Planning on removing the cell to inspect next weekend when I get a chance.

Thank You.
 
Typically an intermittent flow situation is either a dirty filter or you have an algae bloom in progress. Do you have a full set of test results from your own test kit?

It could be the flow switch itself, but rarely does it fail with the flow portion. Normal failure is the thermister in the switch that provides the water temperature for the SWCG to determine salinity.
 
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Water is sparkling clear, I’ve been supplementing with liquid chlorine on warm days. Water readings for 2 days ago (via titration Kit) -

7.6 PH, FC 6, CYA 50, TA 60, CH 280

The Salinity reading has also varied quite a bit recently. One day it’s at 3100, the next day 3700, then back down to 3200. Without significant rainfall or salt addition.
 
tt,

If the cell is under warranty call your pool builder or Pentair and have it repaired or replaced.

If out of warranty, just replace the flow switch.. Even if not the problem, it would be the first step in any repair effort.. A pretty simple DIY repair..

I agree with Marty, that 90% of all low flow issues have to do with actual low flow due to clogged filters, but that does not seem to the problem in your case..

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Update - Replaced the flow switch, no change. Flow Light is still Red. Next I tried connecting the red and black wired from the cell directly together (i read that should trick the cell into thinking it has adequate flow), this did not solve the issue either. Am I looking at a bad cell?

Cell will be 4 years old in October; however, it's only seen 1/5 of it's life (according to indicator lights). Any other ideas before I breakdown and have the whole cell replaced? :(
 
TT,

I can't see how it could be anything but the cell, if shorting the red and black wires, coming from the cell, (not the flow switch), together does not turn the flow light green.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
JamesW said:
Do you have a picture of the flow switch wiring and the label from the bottom of the cell?
Click to expand...

Didn't take a picture, but I'm very familiar with doing electrical work around the house (Computer and Electrical Engineer). At this point I've been advised by Pentair customer support (surprise surprise) that the behavior I described indicates an out-of-warranty failed cell.

At this point, I called the pool company that did the original install (along with my Pentair automation system) for a quote on IC-40 replacement. I made it clear that I could/would order from Amazon and do the literally 2min install myself if they planned to mark up the part and labor beyond reason. Am i reading the Pentair literature correctly that the 2yr warranty is ONLY honored when 'installed' (hand tightened into the plumbing) by a professional pool company?

Thanks!
 
On a replacement SWCG cell the buyer gets a 2 year warranty. Professional install is NOT needed.
 

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I have a nearly identical issue with my IC-40. Nearly four years old, worked perfectly in past seasons, flow light intermittently comes on now. I was leaning toward changing the sand on my filter. This has never been done, and I am thinking it’s more likely than a failed cell. Any way to gain more certainty here?
 
I have the same exact issue. I have a seasonal pool and only used the IC40 for 3 1/2 seasons so far. I got the 3-year extended warranty since I purchased a pump and automation system at the same time so they sent me a flow switch for free as a courtesy. I put the flow switch in and same problem, intermittent red flow light. I have noticed that the issue only occurs in the middle of very hot days (85 degree+. In the morning and evening no flow issues.

I have a superflow pump and run it at 2200rpm with bursts 30-minute bursts of 3000 rpm for improved skimming throughout the day. I backwashed and have my normal pressure of 18 when the pump is on 2800 (my mid speed).

I have talked to Pentair and they advised me the cell should be replaced now....not very happy about that since it only has 14-months of actual use.
 
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